Obtaining a residence permit and citizenship of Ecuador

To come to Ecuador and stay here for a long time is a decision that 22 foreigners make every day. According to the authoritative American publication International Living, Ecuador leads the ranking of countries where people of retirement age live best. This is why the pension program for immigration to Ecuador is so popular among foreigners. Such a rating takes into account such indicators as climate, availability of medical care, and price level. The country's economy has been improving by 5% annually over the past 15 years, and opportunities for investment in various areas of the economy and small business development are expanding. Ecuador's credit rating is assessed as stable in 2018. And in Ecuador there is an official monument to the equator; the highest active volcano in the world is located on the country’s territory. A citizen of any country in the world has the right to enter the country without a visa; the death penalty was first abolished in Ecuador in 1906. What should a Russian who intends to settle in this Latin American state know?

Advantages of living in Ecuador

Russians and citizens of other CIS countries are attracted to living in Ecuador by its warm climate, beautiful nature, and clean ecology. In the country it is quite simple to obtain a temporary and then permanent residence permit. The national language of Ecuador, Spanish, is one of the most widely spoken in the world and is quite accessible for quick learning. The local population leads a leisurely lifestyle and treats foreigners kindly. Other advantages of living in this Latin American country include:

• low prices for real estate, food, household appliances;
• the opportunity to open a business in the country with a fairly modest amount of money;
• wide investment opportunities;
• high level of medical care;
• There is no need to renounce your previous citizenship when obtaining an Ecuadorian passport.

The main attraction of Ecuador is the Equator Monument in Quito

Ecuadorian citizenship through the purchase of real estate

Buying real estate in Ecuador is the right first step towards obtaining a residence permit and citizenship of this country. Firstly, this is one of the countries where you can obtain a residence permit by simply purchasing residential or commercial real estate, and secondly, the price threshold here is quite low, and it currently amounts to only twenty-five thousand dollars. Having purchased real estate, for example, a house or apartment, an immigrant receives a residence permit. After three years in legal status, the residence permit will be replaced by permanent residence, and you can immediately apply for Ecuadorian citizenship. The country recognizes dual citizenship, and an Ecuadorian passport provides visa-free entry into many countries around the world. in more detail about the methods of immigration to Ecuador in one of our articles.

However, there is no need to rush into purchasing real estate, as this is a very responsible and expensive undertaking.
In order to decide on a place, you will need to travel around the country, see and learn a lot of the features of a particular place. Buying real estate is much easier than selling it, given that in an unfamiliar country such concepts as “price”, “real estate market”, and “quality of housing” are significantly different from those of yesterday’s emigrants. An urgent purchase of real estate by an inexperienced immigrant is fraught with a very different than zero probability of making a mistake with the location and quality of the property or significantly overpaying upon purchase. Real estate prices in Ecuador vary greatly, and depend not only on the above criteria, but also on the ability to bargain.

Some people like mountains, some like the proximity of the ocean, some like tropical jungles. Something in between all this can be found in the foothills, but there are no big cities there, and there is nothing for active lovers to do. But if you love peace, the foothills will be just right for you. But it’s really better to just live first, travel around the country, and take a closer look.

Regarding taxes upon purchase, when purchasing a secondary home, you will have to pay a tax for registering the transfer of rights (from half a percent to one percent) plus a certain percentage to the notary for preparing, executing the agreement and registering the transfer of rights, which will amount to another hundred to a thousand dollars . An important point is that in Ecuador, as in Russia, market and municipal values ​​may differ by one and a half to two times, and not all buyers want to indicate the market value in the contract in order to reduce costs. for tax, but doing so is fraught with trouble.

Among Ecuadorians, there is confidence in the fact that the costs associated with the contract, such as the services of a lawyer and notary, are paid by the buyer, and the costs associated with the real estate, that is, taxes, are paid by the seller. The lawyer will most likely answer in the affirmative to this question. But Article 1745 of the Ecuadorian Civil Code states that everything related to the sale of real estate is borne by the seller, unless otherwise provided in the contract. That is, the question of who should bear the above-mentioned costs must be mentioned in the contract, or the costs will be paid by the seller.

Be that as it may, all these problems are being solved. If you do not speak Spanish well enough, it is worth using the help of a translator. Just choose carefully, preferably according to recommendations, to avoid deception. When the purchase process is completed, you can safely receive a residence permit, and after three years, Ecuadorian citizenship.

Similar articles:

1. Immigration to Ecuador
2. Pros and cons of immigration to Ecuador
3. Features of life in Ecuador
4. Real estate prices in Ecuador
5. About education in Ecuador
6. Second citizenship: Paraguayan passport
7. Immigration to Guatemala

Visa-free stay

Citizens of Russia and Kazakhstan have the right to stay in Ecuador for 3 months without a visa, with the possibility of extending the visa-free stay permit for another 90 days. Citizens of Ukraine to travel to Ecuador must obtain a visa at the country's consular office: the Ecuadorian embassy in Ukraine is located part-time in Austria, and the honorary consulate is in Kyiv.

Arriving at the Ecuadorian airport, the Russian receives a three-month visa, which allows him to stay in the country legally, buy real estate, but does not give him the right to do business or find a job. Further, if a foreign citizen does not intend to leave the country after the expiration of the visa-free period, he must contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Population Migration with an application for a visa. There are a large number of types of Ecuadorian visas, a full list of which is posted on the ministry’s website.

Video: obtaining a residence permit in Ecuador

Which country should you choose to move to - Panama or Ecuador?

Many potential expats, when considering Latin America as a retirement or business destination, often look to countries such as Panama and Ecuador. These countries have earned attention due to their high residence ratings, which are studied by various international organizations. Panama and Ecuador are two beautiful countries with an amazing tropical climate, where you can move your whole family, open a business , invest, or just live for a while, enjoying the nature and culture of the country. Each person evaluates in his own way his own benefits of a particular state and determines his own evaluation criteria that are most suitable for him and meet his preferences. Of course, the best definition would be your own observation and comparison. To understand this better, you need to plan trips to these countries and see for yourself what you read or hear. This comparison will cover the main categories to which emigrants most often pay their attention.

Cost of living. Where is it more expensive to live in Panama or Ecuador?

Ecuador and Panama are countries that are quite consistent with the lifestyle of North Americans; prices for accommodation and services may vary depending on the region of the country (urban or rural) and the development of infrastructure. The absolute similarity of the two countries in using the US dollar as their own currency. For North Americans, this is a positive thing, since they do not lose anything due to currency differences when moving. The cost of living per month for an expat couple in Ecuador, with good living conditions and taking into account rent (approximately 450 USD), Internet and the use of a maid once a week, will be cheaper than in Panama and will be 1,200 USD. For North American expats, Panama and Ecuador are attractive because in these countries they can get more than they can afford for the same money in their home country, this can be attributed to the possibility of hiring a maid, a nanny for children, a teacher, a gardener or a personal driver. For example, maid services in Ecuador cost around 10 USD per day, and in Panama 15 USD, however, the level and quality of service is better in Panama, so everyone makes the appropriate conclusions for themselves and chooses what is more important to them. Here are the main price indices in Ecuador compared to Panama:

• Consumer prices in Ecuador are 18.38% lower than in Panama.
• Average rental prices in Ecuador are 56.6% lower than in Panama
• Prices in restaurants and cafes in Ecuador are 30.71% lower than in Panama
• Food prices are 23.81% lower than in Panama
• Local purchasing power in Panama is 20% higher than in Ecuador

More detailed prices for goods and services as of July 2015 can be found here.

Speaking about industrial goods of both countries, we can say that in big cities you can satisfy your needs and find the necessary consumer goods on store shelves. Although Ecuador looks much weaker in this direction, due to the ever-increasing tax revenues, therefore prices in Ecuador in this group are more expensive and the range of goods also suffers compared to Panama. The VAT paid on industrial goods in Panama is 7%, and in Ecuador 12%. In recent years, the import of cell phones and cars into Ecuador has noticeably decreased, and it is also not uncommon to see Ecuadorians coming to Panama City to buy several modern televisions, which emphasizes the difference in price. In rural areas of Ecuador, housing rents can cost as little as 150 USD per month. Naturally, in Panama you can balance the budget, as in Ecuador, by 1,200 USD per month, this is the amount on which the local residents of Panama live. Also, if we compare the advantages of countries based on a survey of older people and young people, then especially young families are inclined to choose Ecuador due to the cheap cost of living. Retirement-aged expats are choosing Panama as Panama's Pensionado pension program offers more attractive benefits to retirees than Ecuador's pension program. Retirement visa requirements in Panama guarantee a minimum pension of 1,000 USD, in Ecuador 800 USD. The Pensionado visa program offers discounts in various service sectors, ranging from 10% to 50%, and pensioners are also entitled to a one-time duty-free import of consumer goods worth up to $10,000. In addition, once every two years they have the right to import and buy a car for personal use. Due to the shortage of qualified labor in Panama, in order to quickly implement reforms in the state, the country's government has expanded the program for obtaining a residence permit. 47 countries have been identified in the list of “Friendly Countries”, whose citizens can obtain a residence permit under simplified rules. The state counts on attracting qualified personnel and thus tries to counter the labor shortage in the country.

Ownership and ownership of real estate in Panama and Ecuador

Ecuador, compared to Panama, pushes real estate prices much lower than Panama represents. The price of real estate for sale in Ecuador within the capital of Quito ranges from 1,000 USD to 1,500 USD per square meter, which corresponds to almost half the price of real estate in Panama (from 1,620 $ to 2,000 $ per sq. m.). In both countries, the rights of foreigners who want to purchase real estate are protected by law to the same extent as the rights of citizens of these countries. To compare these indicators, it is necessary to take into account the difference in the construction of buildings in Ecuador from Panamanian ones in that in Ecuador houses are made of cement and red clay. We can also say that the purchase process itself is easier in Panama and foreigners have the opportunity to use the services of banking institutions that are ready to provide financing. The additional costs in Panama are almost double those in Ecuador, but buyers of property in Panama are exempt from paying property taxes for many years. The tax exemption period depends on the amount spent on the acquisition of the property, provided, of course, that the property is the only place of residence. Also, when purchasing real estate in Ecuador, there are restrictions on the purchase of land by foreigners, as well as a ban on the purchase of real estate within 50 kilometers from the state borders. Banks, even if they agree to participate in mortgage financing, will provide loans only for a short period. There are also many complaints from foreign investors in Ecuador that the country is very corrupt and it is almost impossible to achieve fair legal decisions from the court. Another point that will affect the price of real estate upward is an increase in the tax on imported goods. According to government forecasts, prices on the Ecuadorian real estate market will rise within a year and a half. Since the end of 2014, there has been a trend of North American emigrants leaving Ecuador. According to one of the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, the number of foreigners wishing to move to the country is declining, the reason for this is considered to be a slowdown in the construction of apartment buildings, a halt in construction and high prices for building materials, which are associated with high taxes. As for Panama, the only restriction on the acquisition of real estate is a ten-kilometer zone in close proximity to the border.

Investment opportunities in Panama and Ecuador

As mentioned above, buying real estate in Ecuador and Panama can be a good investment; today Ecuador's offers for houses are more favorable in terms of valuation. But investments in land plots can also be considered more profitable, although such plots are located mainly in remote areas of the country, where all processes are at an initial stage and where emigrants are just starting their business. Investments in the Panama market will cost more, but there are also a lot of foreign diasporas here, then if you take into account the demand and purchasing power of Panama, then real estate in this country will give a return much faster and the income will be more impressive, since there is a great demand for rental housing and real estate in general. When organizing an investment, the first things investors look for are the low cost, surrounding infrastructure, the attractiveness of tourism and the government incentives that are offered. The Panamanian government invested $15 billion in various infrastructure projects in 2014. This includes the reconstruction of the airport, the launch of the metro, the construction of roads and transport communications. In 2015, it is planned to invest $19.5 billion. Panama also provides tax benefits for investments in reforestation, in the construction industry for building materials for the construction of hotels and many other benefits.

Transport in Panama and Ecuador

Road conditions in Panama are very similar to those in the United States, and the differences with Ecuador in terms of transportation and public transportation are quite noticeable. In Ecuador, there are mainly buses and taxis, the average price of which is 1 dollar per hour. Public transport and taxi connections are available from the airports. In Ecuador, you can only trust taxis that are yellow with orange license plates, and you must have a sticker with the registration number on the windshield and doors of the car. The main airports are in the cities of Quito and Guayaquil, as well as several regional airports.

Panama offers the same transportation services, but the price is a little more expensive. Panama has two international airports in Panama City and David. After recent renovations, the David Enrique Maleca Airport can accommodate tourists and expats from all over the world, who can easily reach the western regions of Panama. Both countries provide direct flights from a number of cities in the United States, but it is more convenient to fly to Panama because it is closer, while trips to Ecuador are more expensive and take longer.

Health care in Panama and Ecuador in comparison

In both countries, the level of healthcare is quite good, but better service is still in Panama, especially in the cities of David, the province of Chiriqui and in the capital Panama City. Panama has a larger number of private clinics and hospitals than Ecuador, while doctors at one time were trained in the USA and their qualifications are quite high. You can also notice that there are more English-speaking doctors in Panama. If you compare the cost of healthcare in the USA with medicine in Panama and Ecuador, the price of medical care is much lower in these two countries, and in Ecuador it can be said to be 90% cheaper, where you will pay only 25 dollars for a doctor’s visit. Prices for medical procedures compared to the US are ¼ of the price. Panama and Ecuador offer various types of insurance policies for foreigners; insurance is quite affordable and widely used. I would also like to note that in remote areas of both countries, in small settlements, it is impossible to obtain a full range of medical services; rural hospitals provide limited services, and sometimes only necessary emergency care is provided.

Doing business in Panama and Ecuador

According to the World Bank Group rating, as of 2015, Panama in the field of “Ease of Doing Business” ranks 52nd in the world, Ecuador 115th, the research was based on the factors necessary for starting a business and its operation. Panama is known as one of the main financial centers in Latin America, home to famous global banks that attract foreigners from different countries to open an offshore account. Tax incentives for foreign investors, political and economic stability place Panama at the top of international rankings: “Best Country to Live” and “Best Country to Retire.” Also, the country’s economy is constantly growing and there are no prerequisites for sharp and high inflation, which plagues many Latin American countries.

Ecuador has a less stable reputation in terms of doing business, but there is also interest in this country from foreigners. The country's government is trying to build a democratic society, efforts are being made to build a market economy and the independence of business from government. Ecuador's economic growth strategy is based on oil and recently, after the stabilization of oil prices, the country's budget has exhausted its capacity, so the government has increased taxes on imports and increased foreign borrowing. According to experts, the country cannot do without reforms, otherwise there will be low economic growth and social tension in society will increase.

Banks of Panama and Ecuador

Ecuador and Panama are countries whose currency is the US dollar. In recent years, FATCA laws, which both countries are trying to implement, have greatly influenced the processes of opening an account for foreigners, especially for US citizens. The new rules regarding IRS reporting will not apply to citizens of Canada and other countries; the innovations will affect existing and new accounts of American citizens. Also, opening an account in Ecuadorian banks requires obtaining the right to reside in the country, which was not previously required and non-residents could open accounts. Panama also complies with FATCA requirements, but the account opening processes are simpler than in Ecuador and the attitude of banks towards foreigners is more favorable. Panama is home to many international banks that have been operating in the financial market for a long time and are world famous.

Education in Panama and Ecuador

When talking about the education of these two countries, Panama again stands out as its level of public education is based on providing free education to children aged 6 to 15 years. The Government of Panama, especially in recent years, has been investing large sums in the development of this area, in connection with the planned reforms to train a qualified workforce in the country. In addition, there are several private schools in Panama that teach subjects in two languages, English and Spanish. In Ecuador, too, the level of education has recently improved, but is still very low, especially among the rural population. Ecuador ranks low in the world level of education, bilingual education is limited to the study of English as a common foreign language.

Green Zone and Climate of Panama and Ecuador

Comparing Panama and Ecuador in this aspect, one can notice how Panama is constantly improving its infrastructure, trying to improve the standard of living of its citizens and making a lot of efforts to attract foreigners to its country as a favorable community to live in. Government support for natural resources is not the same as in Ecuador, where at the constitutional level the government preserves the environmental merits of its country and protects nature. The privileges of the natural climate of these two countries largely depend on the personal perception and taste of everyone who is thinking of moving to these countries. Ecuador has a more temperate climate and varies depending on the region. So in the mountainous regions of the Andes, where the average temperature is 24 degrees Celsius, at night it is around 16, while the duration of daylight during the day is 12 hours and the air humidity is relatively low. The climate in Ecuador's coastal rainforest areas is very similar to that of Panama, where temperatures range from 26 to 35 degrees. Panama has a humid and hot climate, with high rainfall between May and December. The air temperature on the Pacific coast of Panama is lower than on the Caribbean coast; in mountainous areas, as well as in Ecuador, the climate is temperate and cooler. In turn, on the famous Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, temperatures are lower and precipitation is much less frequent.

Safety in Panama and Ecuador

Security in the country is often a concern for emigrants and tourists traveling for short or long-term stays in Ecuador or Panama. In each of these countries there are areas that are not advisable to visit due to the crime situation or time of day, where crimes against foreigners can occur. In this area, Panama can be called a safe country, and I would also like to note that Panama is one of the safest countries in Central America. Violent crimes in Panama are mainly related to drug trafficking, a percentage of crime is more attributed to the bureaucracy as a result of their collaboration with criminal elements for personal gain. If we talk about the access of Panamanians to weapons, then in comparison with the United States there are never mass shootings in schools or shopping centers that are observed in America; fewer crimes are committed in Panama per year than in New York. In Panama, typical areas where emigrants gather are seriously protected, this can be especially felt in Coronado, where there is the largest number of foreign diasporas. It should also be noted that undesirable individual visits to the city of Colon, where the poor live and the crime danger is more real. Crimes committed against emigrants are robbery or theft; criminals understand that the police are lenient towards this type of crime, since there is no threat to life, unlike murder. For criminals, robbery and theft are a business and they understand that physical injury or murder towards foreigners will only anger the police and they will lose their criminal profits. To avoid such incidents, you need to follow certain safety measures: do not carry more than $100 in cash, do not wear flashy gold jewelry, and do not leave cars unlocked. You need to understand that Panama and Ecuador have a large number of poor people, and for them emigrants and tourists are rich foreigners.

Ecuador, unlike Panama, has a large number of crimes, with 19 murders per 100,000 people, a figure four times higher than the crime rate of the United States. Most crimes occur in areas where tourists are concentrated. Tourists are mainly attacked by petty robbers and become victims of pickpockets; serious crimes related to murder and rape do not occur with tourists and emigrants. In Ecuador, safety measures must be followed to avoid such incidents. Conflict situations often arise if a tourist does not speak Spanish well. When calling a taxi, you need to use only an officially registered taxi service, using a special parking lot, or call a car through the hotel administration, and you can also use the “Easy taxi” application on your mobile phone to call. When traveling on public transport, do not leave your belongings unattended and keep them close to you.

Requirements for Ecuador visa applicants

In accordance with the legislation of the country, the decision to issue, refuse or cancel a visa to Ecuador is made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Any foreigner who arrives in the country for a specific purpose must apply for one of the types of visas at the consulate or upon arrival at the nearest migration service office. The country's immigration office has the right to change the status of a foreigner, determined by the category of visa received. Certain categories of foreigners may be exempt from complying with the general requirements for visa applicants: a decision to provide such relief can be made if there are sufficiently compelling reasons. No alien may hold two or more immigration statuses at the same time.

Therefore, only at 06.10., after ten hours of bus life, I entered the Kutumbre terminal, blown through by a ten-degree draft. Having paid 25 cents at the ticket office located on the right at the end of the terminal, I boarded a trolleybus, or rather, a public transport called the “city metro”. After driving it for more than an hour, I got off at the Santa Clara stop on Av. 10 de Agosto”, where the establishment I’m interested in is located – “Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana”. Despite the non-working hours of 07.30, there was an organized buzz in the lobby of the ministry, people were standing in line and talking. I picked up the pace, and passed by, went out to Av. Amazonas", between the streets "Av. Francisco de Orelana" and "Eloy Alfaro", just opposite the shopping center with a surreal Christmas tree on the corner. Here is the “Ministerio del Interior Migracion”, where I need to get the missing certificate about all my visits to Ecuador.

Skipper

https://www.russianecuador.com/showthread.php?t=4631

What to do first

Going to distant Ecuador for the purpose of long-term residence in this Latin American country, our compatriot must, while still at home, prepare a number of documents that he will need when applying for a residence permit in a new place. Among such documents:

• birth certificate;
• Marriage certificate;
• valid international passport;
• passport;
• certificate of good conduct;
• diplomas and certificates of education received.

All documents must have a notarized translation into Spanish and an apostille.

the capital of Ecuador, Quito, is one of the country’s most attractive cities for immigrants

Documents for obtaining citizenship in Ecuador

To obtain an Ecuadorian passport, you need to collect a certain package of documents:

1. Color photos in the amount of 6 pieces and size 3*4 cm.
2. A valid foreign document and, if available, the previous one too.
3. Certificate of no criminal record in the country of residence.

   

   Sample certificate of no criminal record in the Russian Federation

4. The same paper from Ecuador.
5. A document that records all migration movements throughout one’s life in the country.
6. Registration card issued to all foreigners.
7. Having an Ecuadorian military ID applies only to men.
8. Providing a medical certificate obtained from an Ecuadorian clinic.
9. If there is a child born from a marriage with a local resident, then provide a birth certificate.

   

   Birth certificate in Ecuador

All collected papers should be handed over to the migration department.

Immigration methods

Today you can move to Ecuador for permanent residence by taking part in one of the state immigration programs, including:

• pension program;
• obtaining political asylum or refugee status;
• marriage to an Ecuadorian citizen;
• employment;
• business immigration.

Pension program

According to many reputable rating agencies, Ecuador is one of the best countries in the world to live for retirees. To participate in the immigration pension program in Ecuador, you must obtain the appropriate visa (Visa9 - Rentista - Pension Del Exterior). The package of documents for obtaining such a visa is as follows:

• application for participation;
• A foreign passport that expires in at least six months. If the applicant is in the country on the basis of a visa, proof of income during the time spent in the country;
• a certificate of no criminal record obtained in the foreigner’s home country or in the country in which the applicant has lived for the previous 5 years. The document must be apostilled and legalized no earlier than 180 days before submitting the visa request;
• confirmation of a regularly paid pension of $800 or more per month for the head of the family and at least $100 for each family member;
• Certificate of visit to Ecuador issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This type of visa is classified as indefinite and the applicant must be 45 years of age or older. The holder of this visa does not have the right to work in the country or engage in business before obtaining citizenship.

According to many rating agencies, Ecuador is one of the best countries in the world for retirees to live

Political refuge

Political asylum or refugee status in Ecuador is granted to foreign citizens for 90 days with the need for renewal every 3 months. After 1 year of stay in the country, a foreigner receives permanente de refugiado status, which gives the right to work and open a bank account. Persons who have been subjected to oppression or persecution in their country of permanent residence on the basis of race, religion, nationality, or political affiliation have the right to receive political asylum or refugee status in Ecuador. To obtain asylum in the country, a foreign citizen must apply for a visa category Visa12: IV Solicitud de Asilo y Refugio.

And here there is a nuance: back in Moscow, I made a notarized translation of the certificate and apostille into Spanish. Estranheria did not accept the certificate with such a translation, but sent me to do the translation into Spanish and notarization directly in Quito.

First grader

https://www.russianecuador.com/showthread.php?s=5089af3ae399048493ef9397242ac5e9&t=4083

Marriage to an Ecuadorian citizen

By entering into a marital relationship with a citizen of Ecuador, a foreigner has the opportunity to submit an application for citizenship of the country within two weeks after the marriage is registered. Registration of citizenship in this case is carried out according to a simplified scheme: the applicant is exempt from complying with certain requirements for the applicant, for example, from passing an exam on knowledge of the Spanish language. Such a foreigner may lose citizenship if the marriage lasts less than a year.

marriage to a citizen of Ecuador is the basis for obtaining residency in the country

Employment

Both highly qualified specialists in various fields of the economy and holders of professions that do not require high qualifications can find employment in Ecuador. There are the following subtypes of Visa9 - IV visa for employment in the country:

• for the general director of a company located in the country. The company must be registered in the trade register and social service of the country and have a minimum authorized capital of at least $25 thousand;
• for the general director of a company with a representative office in Ecuador. Within 45 days of submitting the visa request, the applicant must register the company with the country's commercial register and social service;
• for representatives of foreign media. This type of visa is issued with the participation of the Secretariat of National Communications (SECOM) under the President of the country;
• for contract workers. The applicant encloses with the basic package of papers a notice of registration with the social service, confirmation of registration with the tax service and data of the company in which employment is expected;
• for representatives of religious communities. In this case, the applicant must provide a certificate of membership in a particular religious denomination.

Holders of higher education diplomas have the opportunity to apply for a special visa Visa9 - V Professional . This visa is unlimited and requires a notarized copy of the diploma.

Video: legalization in Ecuador through a Professional visa

Business immigration

One of the most popular ways to immigrate to Ecuador is through investing or starting your own business. There are several types of Ecuadorian visas for foreign businessmen and investors:

• Visa 9 - II - investing in bonds, mortgages, insurance programs;
• Visa 9 - II - investing in shares of an Ecuadorian company;
• Visa 9 - II - investing in real estate;
• Visa 9 - III - investment in a branch of a foreign company located in Ecuador;
• Visa 9 - III - investments in a business opened in the country.

If a foreign citizen intends to invest in the Ecuadorian economy, he must deposit a minimum of 30 thousand US dollars into the account of the company being founded. After three years of active operation of the company, the founder has the right to apply for citizenship.

Business immigration through real estate investing requires the acquisition of real estate in the country worth $25 thousand or more, and proof of a stable income for each family member of $500 or more. The owner of real estate has the right to get a job as an employee or open his own enterprise.

tourism is one of the most promising areas of business in Ecuador

Ways to emigrate to Ecuador

Each of the official government programs that allow foreign citizens to come to Ecuador to settle permanently is in high demand.
The programs make it possible to obtain a permit for permanent residence in the country in a simplified manner, which therefore opens up the possibility of further acquisition of Ecuadorian citizenship after only three years of continuous residence.

Business immigration

This program must be considered separately, since it directly consists of several subtypes.

Latest changes in migration legislation

In accordance with the rules for the stay of foreigners in Ecuador:

• all foreigners must be insured by a public or private insurance company during their stay in Ecuador;
• foreign minors must visit Ecuador accompanied by parents, guardians or third parties with the consent of the parents or guardians;
• a temporary residence permit in the country for athletes, volunteers, representatives of culture and science, rentiers, pensioners, investors, employees can be issued for 2 years with the possibility of extension in the future;
• Permanent residence permit in the country can be granted to persons who have lived as a temporary resident for 21 months in Ecuador on the basis of marriage to a citizen of the country, as well as children and persons with disabilities who are dependent on a citizen of the country;
• citizenship of the country is granted after three years of continuous residence in the country;
• persons who arrived in Ecuador with a foreign passport and received citizenship of the country must register with the migration services as persons with dual citizenship;
• foreigners who arrived in the country as tourists, after 90 days of stay, have the right to extend their permit for another 90 days.

In addition, it should be remembered that a foreigner who has received an investor visa and has not confirmed his status by investing funds within the specified time frame may be deported from the country.

You can obtain a residence in Ecuador based on the purchase of real estate in the country

If a foreign citizen has temporary resident status, he must spend 275 days in the country during the first two years. Obtaining permanent resident status without going through temporary residence is considered illegal. When obtaining citizenship, you will need to pass exams on knowledge of history, geography and social studies of Ecuador.

Ecuador reviews from Russians who have become their own

Greetings! We haven't had any guests on our blog for a long time. We spent a lot of time in Novosibirsk. But life does not stand still. I recently met a man with a very interesting life story. Yuliana Shevchuk told me about the exotic country of Ecuador. In this interview you will read reviews about Ecuador from Russians living there.

Earlier, in a post about where it’s cheaper to live in Russia or abroad, we talked about our logic for choosing a country to live. Latin America was no longer an option for us right away. First of all, because of the great distance from Russia. Can you imagine where Ecuador is? A bit far even compared to Thailand.

But meeting with Juliana allowed me to think about it. Let's read the interview. I would be very grateful for your comments and reviews about Ecuador after the article.

Juliana, hello! You have a very interesting life story. Tell our readers how you got to Ecuador. Why did you decide to choose this country to live, and not Thailand, Vietnam, India or Indonesia?

Hello Artem and your readers. I did not end up in Ecuador; I deliberately, after weighing all the pros and cons, chose this country for permanent residence. Already “deeply” pregnant with our first child, my husband and I decided that we would not give birth in Russia and began to look for a better country. We sat down at the computer, entered the parameters of our “awesome” life into the search bar, and we got a lucky ticket - Ecuador. And the countries of South Asia, to be honest, have never interested me as much as Latin America =).

What part of Ecuador would you recommend for living? What can you tell us about life in Quito, Guayaquil, Manta?

As they say, it depends on the taste and color... Some people love mountains and will be happy in Quito. Anyone who enjoys ocean waves and surf will prefer life on the coast. Well, for those who are attracted by the ancient Indian culture and impenetrable jungles, the Amazon awaits. And if you are lucky with a yacht, then fair winds to the Galapagos Islands. In short, then: Quito is the capital, Guayaquil is an economically developed stuffy city with a seaport without open access to the sea; Cuenca is the cultural capital. Well, the best city to live is Manta!

How did you resolve the visa issue? Tell us about the visa for Russians to Ecuador. Is it easy to get for a long term? How are things going with citizenship? What benefits does it provide? How do locals feel about Russians?

The visa issue was resolved with the birth of the child. This question was the main criterion for finding a country for immigration. Ecuador in 2007 turned out to be the best choice on the economic and bureaucratic issue, in short - cheap, fast and easy! I don't know the relevance of this issue at present.

If your plans include only a vacation, then Russian tourists do not need a visa; for 90 days you simply get a stamp in your passport upon arrival at the airport. If three months is not enough for you, there is the possibility of extending your Ecuadorian visa. You should contact the local migration service, which will give you a new stamp for another 90 days, during which you will have time to collect the required number of documents and all kinds of certificates through a local lawyer. There is quite a lot of information on this topic in RuNet. I don’t really know about citizenship.

The locals treat Russians well—I would even say—respectfully, like they treat the children of grandfather Lenin.

What language do you use to communicate with locals? Do they understand English or maybe Russian? Was it easy to adapt to the language environment? Don't you miss communicating with your compatriots?

In Spanish, of course :) Previously, I used more gestures, but after 8 years of removing the language barrier, I speak and communicate with the locals quite well, even when it comes to films and books. English is spoken by the university elite. In Russian - remnants of communism. Russians in Ecuador. there is more than enough, so you won’t miss your native language.

How are things going with real estate in Ecuador? How can I buy or rent it? How did you get on with this issue? How much do you spend on housing per month? Is there a mortgage?

There is a joke here: - among your friends there must be these three - a mechanic, a real estate agent and a lawyer. Prices for housing or land depend on the economic situation and the honesty of the agent with whom you work, because it is an honor for an Ecuadorian to deceive a “gringo” =).

Currently we are renting an apartment in the city center, 3 minutes walk from our business. The apartment has 2 bedrooms, 2 showers with toilets, a spacious living room with a kitchen, a balcony and a patio. We pay $250 for all amenities. Houses from $450, furnished luxury apartments on the ocean front from $1200. And mortgages exist in all countries, and the conditions are similar almost everywhere.

Tell us about the cost of living in Ecuador. Tell me your approximate budget for a family of 3-4 people with children. What are the prices for basic goods, products, services.

Life is cheap. If you drive from city to city, along the road you will see houses that look like our chicken barns, and a bunch of children in the arms of old people or in hammocks. Invariably with a happy, joyful smile, whether on a child’s or an old person’s face. Nearby hangs a huge bunch of ripe yellow bananas for $1 and freshly caught fish, bought in the morning at the local market in the amount of 30 pieces for $2, is fried on the parillada. Taxi in the city of Manta is only $1. Gasoline is $1.50 per gallon. Gas is sold in cylinders, $2 apiece, enough for 2-3 months. If you want to get a haircut, it costs $3, both for men and women. Our average budget for a family is $600-700, including private high school fees.

How do you make a living? What kind of work is there for foreigners? Is it easy to open a business? Approximate salary levels for locals.

My husband and I have been running a beer rock bar for five years now. We are probably the only Russians in Manta with our own medium-sized business for locals. The rest of the Russians sell houses, roses and frozen fish. Creative people make good money from stocks and simply remotely via the Internet. Opening your own business in Ecuador is easy, but maintaining it is difficult. The average salary for locals is $350.

How do you get around? What about transport? Is it easy to rent or buy? Do I need to get a local license? How fierce are the local traffic cops?

We travel in our old but fast Chevrolet Astra CD. We took it used, invested a little in painting and are happy. You can rent a car in any city if you have enough funds in your bank account as collateral. With an international foreign license you can safely drive for 90 days, after which you can go to study at a local school for 1.5 months for $170. Then pass the exam and receive a local license for a period of five years. When the time limit expires, start all over again.

When asked “how fierce are the local traffic cops,” I remembered an incident from the first year of my immigration life: I, already very, very pregnant, and my beloved husband were driving in a car, and we were stopped by the police tranzito. The reason is dark windows not of factory origin. We were threatened with a fine or the police themselves had to remove the film.

So one young and smart policeman climbed into the coupe over my head to rip off the film from the rear windows (we had a coupe car at that time), and I spanked him on the head with my palms, but could not restrain myself. They got scared and let us go with the words - rusa embarazada i loca, which means - Pregnant crazy Russian.

How is the security in the country? Were you afraid to move? After all, Colombia and the mafia are nearby.

Security in the country is the same as in all Latin American countries. All dangerous cases are related to drug trafficking, if you don’t relate to them in any way, then he doesn’t know you either. They can rob you on the beach at gunpoint. Snatch your purse while riding a motorcycle. You rarely see drunken fights; Ecuadorians drink beer by the glass and vodka with ice; In general, they are short people, they don’t bother tall Russians =). Moving to another country is always a little scary, but it was worse to stay in Russia.

What about medical care? How much does it cost to see a doctor? How are things going with vaccinations and child care? Should I get special vaccinations before traveling to Ecuador? Are there special diseases for this region?

With medical care everything is at an excellent level! Since we were flying from Russia to Ecuador in the sixth month of pregnancy, it was natural to want to check if everything was okay with the baby after a long flight. We chose a doctor who knew English, and quickly found him in Manta, we are still friends.

The birth itself went off with a bang, accompanied by football cries of “GOOOOL!” and jokes (I ask my doctor when he is wearing a mask - are you a doctor? The answer is: - No. But don’t worry, I delivered cows.) As I remember then - I was lying in a separate room on the bed, leaving childbirth, on my husband is lying next door. And between our beds there is a cradle with a newborn son. And kind, courteous medical staff who respond to all requests the first time.

The second birth was just as fabulous, but free of charge - we gave birth in a state hospital. An appointment with almost any private doctor costs $20. Those who charge $15 have huge queues =) In government agencies there are queues for a month in advance, if not through an ambulance =) Free medical care is only for citizens and residents of Ecuador. Vaccinations are given at Medical Centers during epidemics. There is no need to do them specifically in Russia; if necessary, they will give it to you at the airport or give you a referral for vaccination.

How is the weather in Ecuador? Is it different from region to region? What are the most comfortable weather conditions by season? When is the best time to fly to? Example: what is the weather like in December - January?

The weather in Ecuador varies greatly. On the coast there is a breeze, +32, sunny. In the mountains it is cold at night, +18, and there is a lot of sun during the day, +30. Because of such strong sun (after all, 3K meters closer to the sun), local children have red cheeks from burns. Well, the jungle means high humidity and a crowd of insects. Ecuador is a country of contrasts and endless summer. The new year marks the beginning of the rainy season, Carnival. When it's summer in Russia, it's a dry and hot season in Ecuador.

Where are the best beaches in Ecuador? How often do you go there? Does the baby like it?

Most likely in the Galapagos Islands. They are there in all colors: black, white, yellow and even red. The beach in Manta is large, but I don’t like the sand there: fine, dirty and hard. The sand on my favorite beach in San Lorenzo is another matter. He is large there and almost white. Huge waves, a mountain with a rocky cape and a pendulum. And a delicious seafood lunch at a coastal restaurant for $8.

We go to the beach as often as work and desire allow. When my husband and I decide to go to the beach and we tell our sons about it, they run to the dressing room with cries of joy to put on their swimming trunks.

Tell us about your child. How he was born. How did you adapt to life in another country? What is the situation with education for foreigners in Ecuador? What is the price? Are there Russian schools or kindergartens? Where are you going? Is there all the necessary structure for children?

Answer: Which one? I have two, and both are boys. The eldest is eight years old, and the second is 4 years old. Our firstborn was born in the second month of our “awesome” life in Ecuador. It was scary and that made it a little difficult: new life circumstances, new rules. But my husband and I managed it! Kindergarten here from the age of three. School from five.

Classes start early, at 7 am, and end early too, at 12-30 pm before the heat of siesta. There are no Russian educational institutions as such, but there is Casa Rusa in Guayaquil, something like a Russian club where you can learn Spanish or Russian. My oldest child goes to private school, we pay $75 a month. Everyone is happy. This year the youngest will go to kindergarten. And now in Ecuador there are school holidays, from February to May, locals travel around their surroundings.

Immigration to Ecuador is a fairly large topic, so if you have questions, please leave them in the comments. I hope Juliana will be happy to answer them.

Also read posts about our life in Nha Trang and the possibilities of life here, as well as a review of Mui Ne and life there from our reader Anara Karagul.

Click like if you want to read more interviews from our compatriots and be sure to subscribe to blog updates.

The weather in Ecuador varies greatly. On the coast there is a breeze, +32, sunny. In the mountains it is cold at night, +18, and there is a lot of sun during the day, +30. Because of such strong sun (after all, 3K meters closer to the sun), local children have red cheeks from burns. Well, the jungle means high humidity and a crowd of insects. Ecuador is a country of contrasts and endless summer. The new year marks the beginning of the rainy season, Carnival. When it's summer in Russia, it's a dry and hot season in Ecuador.

Pros and cons of living in Ecuador

Life in Ecuador for Russians brings with it both advantages and disadvantages.

Among the main advantages it is customary to highlight:

• Having an Ecuadorian passport allows visa-free access to many countries of the world;
• possibility of obtaining dual citizenship;
• to move to permanent residence, you need to spend no more than 3 years - loyal migration legislation;
• the local population is distinguished by its friendliness, affability and responsiveness;
• American dollars are the national currency of Ecuador;
• The national language is Spanish, the distinctive feature of which is its ease of learning. Mastering it will allow you to communicate freely in other countries of the world;
• excellent conditions for starting your own business;
• affordable cost of residential real estate;
• average life expectancy – 75 years;
• decent quality of medical services;
• climate – warm weather throughout the year;
• a huge number of vegetables and fruits offered by sellers at affordable prices;
• measured lifestyle;
• good ecology - many retirees from other countries move to Ecuador;
• beautiful landscapes;
• excellent quality television and telephone communications at affordable prices;
• variety of cuisine - seafood is available to all segments of the population.

Russians in Ecuador note the following disadvantages:

• significant distance from Russia and Europe in particular, which is accompanied by expensive air tickets;
• constant unstable political situation in the country, which affects the economy;
• the presence of corruption at all levels of the state executive branch;
• minimum level of development of social protection of the population;
• increased crime rate - a well-developed mafia network, which is directly related to drug trafficking;
• small salaries. Many earn the minimum wage of $380;
• there is a difference in mentality, which makes adaptation quite difficult;
• polluted streets;
• low level of population safety, which is directly related to the possibility of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions with all the ensuing consequences;
• the level of education is low.

You can start a business in Ecuador with as little as $350, but staying afloat is difficult because you need to be guaranteed to pay employees a minimum wage of $380. Many Russians are engaged in selling flowers or food, but it all depends on preferences.

Among the main advantages it is customary to highlight:

• Having an Ecuadorian passport allows visa-free access to many countries of the world;
• possibility of obtaining dual citizenship;
• to move to permanent residence, you need to spend no more than 3 years - loyal migration legislation;
• the local population is distinguished by its friendliness, affability and responsiveness;
• American dollars are the national currency of Ecuador;
• The national language is Spanish, the distinctive feature of which is its ease of learning. Mastering it will allow you to communicate freely in other countries of the world;
• excellent conditions for starting your own business;
• affordable cost of residential real estate;
• average life expectancy – 75 years;
• decent quality of medical services;
• climate – warm weather throughout the year;
• a huge number of vegetables and fruits offered by sellers at affordable prices;
• measured lifestyle;
• good ecology - many retirees from other countries move to Ecuador;
• beautiful landscapes;
• excellent quality television and telephone communications at affordable prices;
• variety of cuisine - seafood is available to all segments of the population.

Video: review of immigration to Ecuador

Documents for minors are submitted by their parents or legal representatives. Children receive the same status as their parents. If the parents do not accompany the minor, their consent certified by a notary will be required.

Ecuador - visa

Visas, which are issued upon entry into the country, are issued for different purposes and for different periods. Many compatriots want to emigrate, and they have a question: do Russians need a visa in the country of Ecuador? If the purpose of stay is only recreation and tourism, then staying in the country without an emigration visa is allowed for three months. For a longer stay, you will need to submit paperwork to obtain a resident visa. All papers are transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. An emigrant must have the following documents:

• copy and original passport,
• questionnaire and several photos (3.5 × 4.5),
• income certificate,
• a document indicating the presence of $1,000 in a bank account,
• round trip plane tickets,
• availability of a place to stay,
• certificate from work,
• insurance.

.gif» /> Emigration to Ecuador from Russia

For an immigrant child, the following documents must be presented:

• birth certificate,
• permission of the parents if the child is accompanied by a third party,
• consent of the absent parent.

Important! All documentation must be submitted in the state language (Spanish) and certified by a notary.

A long-term visa will cost two hundred dollars and another thirty for the visa application form. This is the so-called consular fee, which is charged to foreigners for the provision of paid services. If the plans of a foreign guest include opening a business or working in the state, then you will need to contact the Ecuadorian Embassy in Moscow at the address: Gorokhovsky Lane. 12, 105064. You can also call this embassy by phone and ask all your questions. After crossing the Ecuadorian border, the visitor has a month to confirm his visa with the Department of Foreigners.

There are immigrant visas (issued for an indefinite period) and non-immigrant visas (issued for a certain period). List of permanent visas:

• rentier, visa for retirees (requires a stable income of at least $800 plus one hundred dollars for each relative);
• “trust deposit” visa (requires an investment in a trust fund of at least $48,000);
• investment, which involves investing in real estate, bonds, company shares, etc. (requires an income of at least $25,000);
• investment, for investing in the Ecuadorian branch of your company, which is open in the Russian Federation, and for opening a business in the country (contribution amount of at least 30,000 USD);
• general visa director of a company that wants to register or is already registered in the state, visa for an employment contract, religious, foreign press;
• professional, the basis of which is a document of higher education;
• family, which is issued as a result of a union with a citizen of Ecuador, for the parents of an Ecuadorian child, for a foreigner’s child who is dependent on Ecuadorian parents, for family unification and naturalization of the closest relatives, for other circumstances of kinship.

Types of non-immigrant visas:

• diplomatic, issued to military representatives, diplomats, politicians, cultural and scientific figures, as well as their close relatives (given for the duration of the intended mission);
• refugees who suffer persecution in their home country due to religious or political beliefs (issued for an indefinite period);
• student card, issued to students who are starting or continuing their studies in Ecuador, as well as to their close relatives (issued for a period of six to twelve months);
• labor card, issued to workers, specialists, consultants, trainers (stay in the country for no more than two years);
• religious – issued for volunteers, missionaries, church workers and their relatives (issued for a period of six months to two years);
• visa for the purpose of cultural exchange - given to employees of organizations that come on cultural exchange programs, as well as their relatives (valid for one year);
• commerce and tourism, a visa that is issued to visitors for a short period of stay for the purpose of tourism, but it can also be used to carry out commercial activities; it can be taken only once a year.

.gif» /> Enchanting Ecuador

There are immigrant visas (issued for an indefinite period) and non-immigrant visas (issued for a certain period). List of permanent visas: